Data & Communication Engineer

Vertical Aerospace Ltd.; Cirencester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

Our Mission

At Vertical Aerospace, we are pioneering the way for electric aviation. The VX4, our eVTOL (electric, vertical take-off and landing) 'zero emissions' aircraft will set a new safety standard for how we will navigate the sky.

We won't realise our mission by following the same legacy processes and traditions our predecessors followed; instead, we want to 'redefine' aerospace best practices.

We are growing quickly from a prototype business to a scaling SME, and the next few years will be critical to our success in delivering on our ambitious goals of having the VX4 in service by 2030.

What to Expect

As a System Engineer - Data & Communications, you will play a key role in the design, development, verification, and flight test support of the data system suite for our eVTOL platform. Your expertise in digital communications, IP networks, and complex avionic systems—including mission computers, touchscreen displays, communications and data radio equipment, and airborne sensors—will be crucial to ensuring seamless integration and performance.

Your ability to navigate regulatory standards, troubleshoot in a fast-paced environment, and stay at the forefront of technological advancements will make you a valuable member of our team.

This is an exciting and challenging role for an up-and-coming engineer from Aerospace, Automotive or related Engineering field, within the first 1-3 years of your career.

What You'll Do

1. You will develop and maintain system requirements and traceability matrices, ensuring thorough documentation and tracking throughout the project lifecycle.
2. Design and develop integrated avionic suite systems, including ground stations, sensors, communication, recording, and display systems.
3. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure compatibility and seamless integration of systems into the aircraft platform. Plan and conduct bench-level verification and validation activities to confirm compliance with user requirements and operational robustness.
4. Develop comprehensive system commissioning plans and execute them to validate system functionality in real-world environments.
5. Provide on-site support for the setup, monitoring, and troubleshooting of avionic data, communication, and recording systems during flight tests.
6. Stay up to date with advancements in aerospace technology and apply relevant innovations to enhance avionics system design.

What You'll Bring

1. Bachelor's or master's degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Avionics Engineering, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 2 years of experience in avionic systems engineering, with a background in electronics, IP networking, software, and aerospace systems. Prior experience in a systems engineering role within an aerospace design and development organization.
3. Experience with scripting languages (Python preferred).
4. Proficiency with requirements management tools (JAMA preferred).
5. Experience working with Windows and Linux Operating Systems.
6. Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management systems (3DX preferred).
7. Proficiency with MATLAB tool suite, particularly System Composer and Simulink.

Desirable

1. Familiarity with ARP4761 and ARP4754.
2. Hands-on experience with regulatory standards including DO-160, DO-178, DO-254, and 14 CFR Part 23 (EASA CS-23).

If you are excited by the opportunity to work on cutting-edge aerospace technologies and help shape the future of electric aviation, we would love to hear from you!

What can you expect from us?

We're on a mission. Where others see limits, we see opportunity, and we work at pace. Working at Vertical isn't your average role but for those seeking a challenge, a flexible, supportive organisation and an incredible team; working here is an opportunity to do the best work of your career.

Our approach promotes ingenuity and courage, while our environment builds success through diligence in safety and being open in the way we work. The only way we're going to assure the next chapter of aviation history is by working as a team, relentlessly, towards our goal.

Our benefits

Our people matter - we're not going anywhere without them. Which is why our company benefits go beyond the essentials.

1. 26 days holiday, plus bank holiday
2. 5 extra days per year to buy (or sell)
3. 5 extra days holiday when you get married or enter a civil partnership
4. Additional 4% of your salary to spend on extra benefits
5. Award-winning digital health and wellbeing service (Help@Hand)
6. Company Share Scheme - open to every Vertical employee
7. Company Pension Scheme - 5% and we match it
8. Breakfast on us, every day

We may just be the hardest job you've ever had, but we're confident it will be the most rewarding. Join the team today and help us shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility.

Disclaimer Statement

We encourage you to apply even if you may not have all the experience listed in the advert. We recognise that talent comes in various forms and we are committed to providing opportunities that create an environment of growth, diversity, and inclusion for everyone. As part of our desire to review and make our processes fair, we may ask you questions related to these aspects during the application process. For more information on how we will use your data, see our Legal section.